Instagram Implements New Tools to Guard Against Hateful Comments and Trolling

Our beloved photo-sharing platform has been making a lot of changes recently. Earlier this summer, the app rolled out the Snapchat-like feature Stories. Then, it finally gave us the ability to zoom into pics just like Facebook and Twitter.

Meanwhile, the platform phased out Photo Maps and made updates to accommodate the forthcoming iPhone 7. But today, we've learned that Instagram is introducing what is perhaps one of its most significant features yet.

Instagram CEO and co-founder Kevin Systrom announced today on the platform that Instagram has implemented new tools to help users protect their accounts from hateful comments and trolling.

"To empower each individual, we need to promote a culture where everyone feels safe to be themselves without criticism or harassment," Systrom wrote. "It’s not only my personal wish to do this, I believe it’s also our responsibility as a company. So, today, we’re taking the next step to ensure Instagram remains a positive place to express yourself."

The newest feature is a keyword moderation tool that will be accessible to all users (it was previously only available to celebrities and public figures). When users tap the gear icon in the app, they will find a "Comments" section that allows them to list words that they deem offensive or inappropriate. Any comments containing these words will be automatically hidden from their posts' comment feed. Instagram has provided a few default words, or users can choose their own terms to eliminate.

This keyword moderation is in addition to tools already in place on the app, including the ability to block users and delete or report comments.

In his post, Systrom said that he hopes the implementation of these tools will allow the diverse Instagram community to continue expressing themselves freely without fear of negative backlash.

"Over the past five years, I’ve watched in wonder as this community has grown to 500 million, with stories from every corner of the world," Systrom wrote. "With this growth, we want to work diligently to maintain what has kept Instagram positive and safe, especially in the comments on your photos and videos."

And it seems like keyword is just the first step in Instagram's fight to protect users; other tools to stop trolling might be on the way.

"We know tools aren’t the only solution for this complex problem, but together we can work toward keeping Instagram a safe place for self-expression. My commitment to you is that we will keep building features that safeguard the community and maintain what makes Instagram a positive and creative place for everyone."